India has over 500 million WhatsApp users. For most parents, WhatsApp is their primary digital communication tool — not email, not SMS, not apps. Schools that don't leverage WhatsApp for parent communication are fighting against user behavior.
The Problem with Current Approaches
School WhatsApp Groups (the wrong way) Most schools create class-wise WhatsApp groups managed by teachers. This has serious problems: - No delivery tracking (you don't know who read it) - Parents reply with unrelated messages, creating noise - Teachers' personal numbers are exposed - No integration with school systems - Data privacy concerns under IT regulations
SMS (expensive and limited) SMS costs add up quickly for schools sending daily attendance alerts. Character limits mean messages are often cryptic. And DND-registered numbers don't receive them.
WhatsApp Business API (the right way)
The WhatsApp Business API is different from regular WhatsApp: - Messages come from a verified business number - No groups needed — individual messages to each parent - Delivery and read receipts available - Rich media — send report cards as PDFs, fee receipts, photos from events - Template messages for common alerts (attendance, fee reminder, circular) - Two-way communication with chatbot support
Use Cases for Schools
- Attendance alerts: "Arjun was marked absent today. If this is incorrect, please contact the school."
- Fee reminders: "Fee of Rs 15,000 is due for Term 2. Pay online: [link]"
- Exam schedules: Share exam timetable as a PDF
- Progress reports: Send holistic progress cards directly to parents
- Transport alerts: "Bus #7 is running 15 minutes late due to traffic."
- Event invitations: Rich media invitations with RSVP links
Integration with EduBold
EduBold's WhatsApp integration sends messages through the official Business API. Every message is logged, delivery is tracked, and templates are pre-approved for common school communication. No personal numbers, no groups, no chaos.
